The "Carnival of Venice" is based on a Neapolitan folk tune called "O Mamma, Mamma Cara"[1] and popularized by violinist and composer
Niccolò Paganini, who wrote twenty variations on the original tune. He titled it "Il Carnevale Di Venezia," Op. 10. In 1829, he wrote to a friend, "The variations I've composed on the graceful Neapolitan ditty, 'O Mamma, Mamma Cara,' outshine everything. I can't describe it."[2]
A series of theme and
variations has been written for solo
cornet, as "show off" pieces that contain virtuoso displays of double and triple
tonguing, and fast tempos.
The piece has also been arranged for
tuba, notably played by
John Fletcher and available on the CD The Best of Fletch. Also
Roger Bobo on Tuba Libera (cd). Other tubists whose performances of the piece are noteworthy include
Øystein Baadsvik, and Patrick Sheridan.
Between 2015 and 2018, German crossover violinist David Garrett gained wide recognition with the tune, playing variations of Paganini's variations in movies and with various orchestras and bands.[5]
Arrangements
Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825–1889): Variations on 'Carnival of Venice' (for trumpet or cornet)
"Carnaval de Venise", Victor Massé
La Reine Topaze Sumi Jo and English Chamber Orchestra 1994
Film/TV appearances
1955 The Honeymooners – In the episode, Young Man with a Horn (#1.26), Alice finds Ralph's old cornet in the bedroom closet. Ralph remembers lost career chances, and feels discouraged. The song Ralph attempts to play on the cornet is "Carnival of Venice".
1992 Arizona Dream - It plays during the cadillac dream sequence Axel has while driving to Arizona with Paul.